Flexible information handling system display external hinge structure

ABSTRACT

An information handling system having rotationally coupled housing portions supports a flexible display disposed across the housing portions with a hinge structure that manages flexible display curve radius in a folded configuration. The hinge includes plural hinge elements having an arc face, arc cavity interior and mounts that couple with hinge coupling elements. The mounts align the hinge coupling element rotational axis out of the cavity to aid in maintaining the hinge elements having no gaps during rotation of the information handling system housing portions. The hinge coupling element integrates friction plates disposed normal the rotation axis to generate torque for managing housing rotational movement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,812, entitled “FlexibleInformation Handling System Display Sliding Frame” by inventors JungHwan Hong, Duck Soo Choi, and John T. Morrison, filed on even dateherewith, describes exemplary methods and systems and is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,824, entitled “Dynamic AntennaOrientation with a Flexible Information Handling System Display” byinventors John T. Morrison, Jace W. Files, and Gerald R. Pelissier,filed on even date herewith, describes exemplary methods and systems andis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,835, entitled “FlexibleInformation Handling System Display Hinge and Ramp Support Structure” byinventors Kevin M. Turchin, Gerald R. Pelissier, and John T. Morrison,filed on even date herewith, describes exemplary methods and systems andis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,841, entitled “FlexibleInformation Handling System Display” by inventors Jung Hwan Hong, KevinM. Turchin, John T. Morrison, and Gerald R. Pelissier, filed on evendate herewith, describes exemplary methods and systems and isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of informationhandling systems, and more particularly to a flexible informationhandling system display.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Portable information handling systems generally integrate input/output(I/O) devices and a power source to provide end users with a mobilecomputing solution. A typical portable information handling systemincludes a touchscreen display that presents output as visual images andaccepts inputs as touches. Tablet information handling systems are builtin planar housings with a touchscreen display that typically acts as theprimary I/O device, such as by presenting a virtual keyboard on adisplay that accepts keyed inputs. Laptop or convertible informationhandling systems generally integrate a physical input device to aid enduser interactions, such as keyboard having physical keys. Often laptopand convertible information handling systems have a housing portion thatintegrates a display rotationally coupled to a housing portion thatintegrates a keyboard. Hinges between the housing portions allow an enduser to open the housing portions to hold the display in a raisedposition above the keyboard. The hinges rotate the housing portions to aclosed position to provide a more compact footprint for transport of theinformation handling system. Convertible information handling systemsgenerally rotate through 360 degrees so that the display is available ina tablet mode having the keyboard hidden or folded underneath thedisplay.

One difficulty with tablet information handling systems is that thedisplay size tends to be limited to dimensions that an end user cancarry. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) typically has a flatsurface protected by a glass cover and illuminated with a backlight.Thus the size of the planar housing that holds a tablet informationhandling system generally has to accept a display that is supported in afixed footprint. Larger display dimensions tend to present informationwith more readable fonts and images, however, too large of a displaydrives a large housing size that reduces portability. More recently,organic light emitting diode (OLED) films have provided an alternativeto flat LCDs. OLED films have pixels that include red, green and blueorganic material to generate light with a desired mixture. OLED films donot rely upon a backlight to generate visual images so that thestructure of an OLED display tends to be thinner than an LCD and alsoflexible. For example, OLED films curve around and underlying supportstructure to more effectively use the housing footprint for presentingvisual images.

The flexible nature of OLED films provides an option for reducing thesize of tablet portable information handling systems. For example, asingle OLED film disposed over separate housing portions can fold sothat the housing portions rotate to a closed position similar to that oflaptop and convertible form factors. One difficulty with folding OLEDfilms is that the curved portion at the fold cannot have too sharp of abend or the OLED film may break. Another difficulty is that a foldingdisplay tends to reside on an outer surface of a housing so that thelength of the outer surface varies depending upon fold angle asdifferent distances of movement relate to the screen and othercomponents in separate planes of travel. This delta in distance travelfor a display film and other components creates a gap that, if notproperly accommodated for, will show waviness, poor electrical and/oroptical performance, and damage to the film material. In addition, thegap related to housing support of a folding display tends to create anawkward physical appearance and structures that can catch on externalobjects. In thin portable systems that have a low Z height, stressesrelated to folding of a housing can require more robust structuralmaterials, thus adding weight and thickness to the system. Further,components disposed in the housing can have different and unexpectedposition and interactions. For example, antenna that support wirelesscommunications can have awkward positioning in small form factors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which managesinformation handling system housing portion movements that bend aflexible display.

A further need exists for a system and method that manages componentinteractions of information handling systems having a flexible display.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for managing flexibledisplay movements related to rotationally coupled housing portions of aninformation handling system. One or more hinges rotationally couplehousing portions that rotate relative to each other between a planarconfiguration and a closed configuration. A flexible display, such as anOLED film disposed across the housing portions and hinge, folds as thehousing portions rotate from a planar to closed configuration. A displayframe structure interacts with the hinge during rotation of the housingportions to manage flexible display fold radius so that damage does notoccur to the flexible display. For example, the display frame structuremanages a sliding motion relative to the housing portions as housingportions rotate about the hinge.

More specifically, an information handling system has first and secondhousing portions rotationally coupled to each other. Processingcomponents integrated in the housing portions process information forpresentation as visual images at a flexible OLED display film disposedacross the housing portions. A display frame structure holds the OLEDdisplay film and provides support to the display film that preventsdamage, such as sharp bends or indentations from end user manipulationof the housing portions and end user touches to the display filmsurface. For example, the display frame structure includes a firstdisplay frame slidingly engaged with a first housing portion, a seconddisplay frame slidingly engaged with a second housing portion, and aflexible support coupled between the display frames so that the OLEDdisplay film has a stationary support surface that extends from thefirst to the second housing portion and across the hinge. As housingportions rotate between planar and closed configurations, the relativediameter of the housing portion hinge structure and the display framestructure changes. The display frame structure adapts to the changedrelative position with the housing portions by sliding relative to thehousing portions. Roller assemblies on opposing ends of the housingportions manage sliding motion of display frames relative to housingportions. In one embodiment, a biasing device associated with the rollerassembly and/or other display frame structure provides a bias to thedisplay frame that reduces force applied to the display film duringrotational movement of the housing portions. In one embodiment, antennaintegrate in the roller assemblies and change their orientation basedupon relative rotational positions of the housing portions to provideimproved wireless communications.

In various alternative embodiments, different types of hinge assembliesprovide desired flexible display curvature radius management. Forexample, a synchronized hinge having five interconnected geared portionsprovide flexible display fold radius management based upon gearedportion size. An I beam interconnect bar couples to the flexible supportof the display frame structure and the middle hinge portion to maintainthe display frame structure in a constant position relative to thecenter of the hinge. A second flexible support fixedly couples to abottom portion of the interconnect bar to provide support at the bottomof the hinged housing structure. The flexible support is, for example, ashape metal alloy like nickel titanium or other flexible material likestainless steel. An alternative hinge structure includes a dual axissynchronized hinge that defines curvature radius based upon distancebetween the axes. In order to obtain a tighter closed configurationhaving closed housing portions in close proximity, each display framemay include a ramp structure and flexible portion that provides anadditional film curve in each display frame opposite the curve of thedisplay film at the hinge. Another alternative hinge structure hasplural link elements interacting between adjacent curved front faces andcurved cavities. The link elements couple to each other with couplingelements that include a pivot point location behind the rotational arcof the curved front face. Coupling elements that pivot behindrotationally engaged link elements limit rotation about the face andcavity interface to provide a managed hinge curve within display filmfold constraints.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that aninformation handling system disposes a flexible display acrossrotationally coupled housing portions that rotate between planar andclosed configurations and have a flexible display disposed across bothportions and their hinge structure. A display frame structure managesthe fold of the flexible display to keep the display film within foldradius constraints. End users may conveniently fold housing portionsrelative to each other to arrange the display film in differentorientations between a closed configuration and a planar configuration.The hinge structures manage fold radius and display frame structureposition during rotational movements and minimize housing size toprovide a convenient portable information handling system for end users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts an expanded perspective view of an information handlingsystem having a flexible display disposed over rotationally couplehousing portions;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict an assembled information handling systemrespectively with a top view of a planar configuration, a side view of aplanar configuration and a side view of a closed configuration;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict an assembled information handling systemrespectively with a top perspective view of a planar configuration, aclose up perspective side view of the hinge assembly in the planarconfiguration and a perspective side view of the hinge assembly in aclosed configuration;

FIG. 4 depicts an example information handling system embodimentexemplary dimensions for display radius in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 depicts relative motion of a display and a housing for planar andclosed positions:

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a side cutaway view of an example embodiment ofan information handling system having a flexible display folded about ahinge holding housing portions in a closed position;

FIG. 7 depicts folded and planar configurations of an informationhandling system having a sliding motion of a display frame structurerelative to rotationally coupled housing portions;

FIG. 8 depicts folded and planar configurations of an informationhandling system having relative sliding motion of a display framestructure relative to rotationally coupled housing portions at a rollerassembly;

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of an information handlingsystem having a flexible hinge cover for adapting to rotational movementof housing portions;

FIGS. 10A through 10F depict the outer bar cover supporting structure inplanar and folded configurations:

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict side cutaway views of an example embodimentthat biases display frame movement in response to rotation about ahinge;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict side lower and upper perspective viewsrespectively of an information handling system with multiple biasingdevices;

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C depict an alternative hinge structure that offersregulated display movement with minimal gaps between hinge elements;

FIG. 14 depicts a zig zag pattern of setback coupling elements thatreduce hinge size and improve hinge assembly;

FIG. 15 depicts a rear perspective expanded view of hinge 14interactions of coupling element pivot elements to manage link elementinteractions;

FIG. 16 depicts a side upper perspective expanded view of link elementsand coupling elements aligned for assembly between housing portions:

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom side perspective view of the hinge assembledfrom interconnected link elements:

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C depict an information handling system having aflexible display disposed over a dual axis hinge;

FIGS. 19A and 19B depict rotation of information handling system housingportions between closed and planar configurations about a dual axishinge:

FIGS. 20A and 20B depict display film bend radius management enhancedwith ramp structure engagement that provides space efficient housingportion arrangement in the closed configuration;

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict a side perspective view of an informationhandling system in closed and planar configurations with secondary foldsin the display film to aid full collapse of the housing portions in theclosed configuration;

FIGS. 22A and 22B depict a side cutaway view of an example embodiment ofa roller assembly in closed and planar configurations that aidsmanagement of display frame structure sliding relative to housingportions;

FIG. 23 depicts a side cutaway view of a roller edge having anintegrated biasing device and antenna;

FIG. 24 depicts changing orientations of antennae as the spindles rotateto manage display film position:

FIG. 25 depicts a block diagram of an information handling system havingantenna selection based on spindle orientation:

FIG. 26 depicts an information handling system in a closed positionhaving antennae disposed on a spindle that support phased array wirelesssignal communication; and

FIG. 27 depicts an information handling system in an open positionhaving antenna on opposing sides of housing portions 12 to supportwireless communication distal a flexible display film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system supports a flexible display overrotationally couple housing portions to fold the display as the housingportions rotate relative to each other. For purposes of this disclosure,an information handling system may include any instrumentality oraggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process,transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display,manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form ofinformation, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, orother purposes. For example, an information handling system may be apersonal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitabledevice and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, andprice. The information handling system may include random access memory(RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processingunit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or othertypes of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the informationhandling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more networkports for communicating with external devices as well as various inputand output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a videodisplay. The information handling system may also include one or morebuses operable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an expanded perspective view of an informationhandling system 10 depicts a flexible display 30 disposed overrotationally couple housing portions 12. In the example embodiment,information handling system 10 processes information with processingcomponents disposed in one or more of housing portions 12 thatrotationally couple about one or more hinges 14. For instance, amotherboard 16 couples to a housing portion 12 interior to supportcommunications between processing components. A central processing unit(CPU) 18 couples to motherboard 16 and executes instructions thatprocess information stored in random access memory (RAM) 20. Persistentstorage, such as a solid state drive (SSD) 22 stores instructions andinformation when information handling system 10 powers down and providesthe information to CPU 18 and RAM 20 on power up. For instance, SSD 22stores an operating system that coordinates interaction of theprocessing components and applications that execute over the operatingsystem that create and modify information. A chipset 24 includes avariety of processor and controller components that execute embeddedcode to support end user interactions and system management. Forinstance, an embedded controller manages power and interactions betweeninput/output (I/O) devices and CPU 18. As another example a graphicsprocessor unit (GPU) 26 processes visual information in cooperation withCPU 18 to generate pixel values that define visual images forpresentation on a display. Similarly, a wireless network interface card(WNIC) provides wireless communications through radio signalscommunicated with external devices, such as an external wireless localarea network (WLAN) or wireless wide area network (WWAN).

In the example embodiment, visual information is presented as visualimages with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) film display 30disposed over housing portions 12. OLED display film 30 is a flexibledisplay film that folds as housing portions 12 rotate about hinges 14from the planar configuration depicted to a folded configuration, suchas a closed position. In order to support OLED film display 30 duringfolding, OLED film 30 is coupled to a display frame structure havingfirst and second display frames 32 coupled together with a flexiblesupport 34 disposed between display frames 32 at the location of thefold of OLED film display 30. Flexible support 34 is a thin sheet ofshape memory alloy material set to a planar configuration, such as anickel titanium alloy material that is treated to have shape memoryresponse. Alternatively flexible support 34 is a thin sheet of metal,plastic, composite, or other material that manages fold shape, such asstainless steel. During rotation of housing portions 12, flexiblesupport 34 manages the fold radius or OLED display film 30 so that thefilm does not overstress resulting in damage. The display framestructure remains in a constant position relative to OLED display film30 during rotation of housing portions 12 to provide support thatmaintains the integrity of OLED display film 30.

Rotation of housing portions 12 from planar to folded configurationschanges the distance about the inner and outer diameters relative toeach other. In the example embodiment, OLED display film 30 folds fromthe planar configuration depicted to a closed position having OLEDdisplay film 30 folded to rest proximate each other sandwiched betweenhousing portions 12. In alternative embodiments, OLED display film 30may rotate in the opposite direction so that display film 30 is exposedat the outer periphery of information handling system 10. In eithercase, the periphery of the outer exposed portion of information handlingsystem 10 will have a greater distance than the periphery of the innerportion of information handling system 10. To adapt to this change inrelative position of inner and outer surfaces of information handlingsystem 10, the display frame structure slides relative to housingportions 12 during rotation of housing portions 12.

In the example embodiment, housing portions 12 each fixedly couple tohinge 14 and provide a sliding interface with display frames 32. Thedisplay frame structure maintains a center position between housingportions 12 by fixedly coupling to hinge 14 at the center of rotation ofhinge 14. In the example embodiment, flexible support 34 fixedly couplesto an interconnect bar 36 that in turn fixedly couples to a center offirst and second hinges 14 disposed at opposing ends of housing portions12. For example, interconnect bar 36 has an I beam shape with an uppersurface of the 1 beam welded to the bottom surface of flexible support34 and each end inserted into a fitting of hinge 14. In the exampleembodiment, hinge 14 has five interconnected portions that rotaterelative to each other, such as five geared portions that transferrotational movement between each other in a synchronized movement. Byincluding an odd number of hinge portions, the center of the rotation isbased in a middle hinge portion position so that coupling ofinterconnect bar 36 to the middle portion maintains a fold defined aboutthe center of OLED display film 30.

In the example embodiment, an outer housing case 38 covers the bottomsides of housing portions 12 and a roller edge cover 40 couples to eachof opposing ends of housing portions 12 to define the housing structure.Another flexible support 34 provides fold radius definition at thebottom of the housing structure, such as with a similar or the samematerial as the flexible support 34 used proximate OLED display film 30.An outer metal bar cover 42 provides decorative and protective coverthat folds in cooperation with flexible support 34. In one exampleembodiment, interconnect bar 36 fixedly couples to both the upper andlower flexible supports 34 to maintain both flexible supports 34 inconstant relative position to hinges 14. Roller edge cover 40 coupleswith opposing ends of the display frame structure to manage slidingmotion of the display frames 32 relative to housing portions 12 duringrotation. In various embodiments, such as those described herein,various display frame, housing, hinge and flexible structures may beused to manage folding of OLED display film 30 so that a minimum radiusis maintained that prevents display frame damage.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, an assembled information handlingsystem 10 is depicted respectively with a top view of a planarconfiguration, a side view of a planar configuration and a side view ofa closed configuration. FIG. 2A illustrates an example embodiment havingexample dimensions that provide a folded radius with adequate curvatureto avoid damage to OLED display film 30. In the planar configuration,OLED display film 30 is disposed in a center position relative to rolleredge covers 40. As illustrated by FIG. 2B, the center of display 30 isfixed to a center of hinge 14 so that display 30 remains centeredrelative to hinge 14 during rotation of housing portions 12. The oddnumber of five geared rotational hinge elements 44 provides a thirdcentral hinge element 44 about which the other hinge elements rotate. Inaddition, five hinge elements 44 introduce a desirable and manageablefold radius of display 30 without a “snake” effect that may occur ifseven or more hinge elements are present. FIG. 2C illustrates a closedconfiguration in which housing portions 12 are rotated relative to eachother to a closed position having display 30 facing itself following afold about hinge 14. The total height of housing portions 12 distalhinge 14 is 14 mm compared with a height at hinge 14 of 20.5 mm. Theadditional spacing around hinge 14 provides a graduated curve radius fordisplay 30 that prevents overstress of OLED film material in display 30.The desired curve radius is managed through a combination of hingeselection, such as the number and size of hinge elements 44, and thecharacteristics of flexible support 34, such as the treatment andthickness of shape memory alloy that supports OLED display film 30. Theexample embodiment depicts example dimensions and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to illustrate one exampleradius.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, an assembled information handlingsystem 10 is depicted respectively with a top perspective view of aplanar configuration, a close up perspective side view of the hingeassembly 46 in the planar configuration and a perspective side view ofthe hinge assembly 46 in a closed configuration. Hinge 14 couples anaxle 48 at each end to each housing portion 12 with five hinge elements44 interacting through geared connections. Hinge assembly 46 in effectrotates housing portions 12 in synchronous motion about the centralhinge element 44 to provide a radius of hinge assembly 46 as a wholethat prevents overstress of OLED display film 30. Flexible supports 34are disposed on top and bottom of hinge 14 to provide an even curvaturefor display film 30 and metal bar cover 42 on the bottom of informationhandling system 10. FIG. 3C illustrates the curvature radius aboutdisplay film 30 at inner circumference formed as housing portions 12rotate to a closed position. As is set forth in greater detail below,OLED display film 34 remains in a fixed position relative to theflexible support 34 between it and hinge 14, however the display frameassembly that includes display 30, flexible support 34 and displayframes 32 slide relative to housing portions 12 as housing potions 12rotate relative to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example information handling systemembodiment depicts exemplary dimensions for display radius in a closedconfiguration. The five element 44 hinge 14 provides an outer radius 50having 10 mm and an inner radius 52 having 3 mm. In various embodiments,different sized display film curvatures may be desired and achieved withalterations in hinge and flexible support configurations. At theopposing end of housings 12 to hinge 14, roller edge cover 40 adjust toallow sliding motion of the display frame structure so that display film30 is 10 mm from the end housing portions 12. As housing portions 12rotate to the closed position, the smaller inner radius 52 relative tothe outer radius 50 results in sliding motion of display film 30 towardsroller edge cover 40. The relative positions may be discerned as anexample by comparison to the example in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. Again, theexact dimensions are provided as a guide for a particular embodiment toillustrate an assembly having an acceptable display curvature and notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, relative motion of a display and a housing aredepicted for planar and closed positions. In the example embodiment, inthe closed position, display 30, housing portions 12 and case 38 alignat the end opposite hinge 14. The total length of the outer perimetercase 38 is 312.2 mm, of the hinge and housing portions is 300.3 mm, andof the display 30 and display frame structure is 290 mm. In the planarconfiguration, display 30 has slid 5 mm relative to housing portion 12and 1 mm relative external case 38. The amount of relative motion indifferent example embodiments depends upon the relationship of housingportion movements that define the inner and outer radius in the closedconfiguration. Thicker housing structures and greater curvatures aboutthe hinge structure result in larger relative motion of the displayframe structure and housing portions.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a side cutaway view depicts an exampleembodiment of an information handling system 10 having a flexibledisplay 30 folded about a hinge 14 holding housing portions in a closedposition. As illustrated by FIG. 6B, roller assembly 40 has managedmovement of display 30 and display frame 32 relative to housing portions12 in the closed position to adjust for the smaller diameter about hinge14 that display 30 experiences relative to housing portions 12. Hinge 14couples to each housing portion 12 with an axle 48 that extends from theouter hinge elements 44. A total of five hinge elements 44 interactthrough geared interfaces that provide synchronized movement of housingportions 12 during rotation. The use of exactly five hinge elements 44in the example embodiment provides synchronized motion without a snakeeffect in hinge 14. Further, five hinge elements 44 provide an innerradius that offers an acceptable fold radius for display film 30. Invarious embodiments, the curve radius may be adjusted by selection ofdifferent sized hinge elements 44. In addition, flexible support 34provides structure beneath display film 30 that cooperates with thecurvature of hinge 14 to provide a graduated transition across displayfilm 30. For example, flexible support 34 fixedly couples with displayframes 32 so that display film 30 is maintained in a supportedcondition. Flexible support 34 fixedly couples to an “I” shapedinterconnect bar 36 that is in turn fixedly coupled to the center thirdhinge element 44 and the outer diameter flexible support 34. In thismanner, display film 30 maintains a center position at informationhandling system 10 while display frame 32 and flexible support 34 sliderelative to housing portions 12.

Referring now to FIG. 7, folded and planar configurations of informationhandling system 10 depict relative sliding motion of a display frame 32structure relative to rotationally coupled housing portions 12. In theexample embodiment, the bottom surface of information handling systemremains stationary, as is depicted by the relative position of the metalbar cover 42 in the folded and planar configurations. Housing portion 12rotates with hinge 14 to slide relative to case 38 by 6 mm, asillustrated by arrow 52. Display frame 32, flexible support 34 and OLEDdisplay film 30 slide as a display frame structure relative to case 38by 11 mm as illustrated by arrow 50. The display frame structure remainsfixed in relative position to interconnect bar 36 as hinge 14 rotates tothe planar configuration, resulting in sliding motion relative tohousing portion 12. Note in the example embodiment that the “I” shape ofinterconnect bar 36 provides dual opposing end surfaces that offerincreased surface area for fixed coupling to opposing flexible supports34. In various embodiments, interconnect bar 36 may couple with centralhinge element 44 at an end or in different relative locations along thelength of hinge 14.

Referring now to FIG. 8, folded and planar configurations of informationhandling system 10 depict relative sliding motion of a display frame 32structure relative to rotationally coupled housing portions 12 at aroller assembly 40. As is illustrated by arrows 50 and 52, the relativemotion of the display frame structure, housing portions 12 and case 38mirror the motion at hinge 14 depicted in FIG. 7. Roller assembly 40 hasa flexible outer cover 54 that moves with rotation of roller 40 tomaintain a cohesive surface where roller 40 couples to display frame 32.Upon rotation from the closed configuration to the open configuration,the relative motion of the display frame structure caused by hingerotation results in sliding of display frame 32 relative to housingportion 12 and case 38. Space within case 38 proximate roller assembly40 provides room for this relative motion. In various embodiments,friction between the sliding structures may be managed in different waysto maintain structural integrity over use of the system. For example,greased rails or rollers between each sliding portion may provide moreconsistent movement and reduce the risk of damage from moving parts overtime.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of informationhandling system 10 depicts a flexible hinge cover 56 for adapting torotational movement of housing portions 12. In the example embodiment,flexible cover 56 is a 1.5 mm thick TPU silicon material that acceptsone end of interconnect bar 36. Flexible cover 56 molds to hinge 14 ashinge 14 moves housing portions 12 relative to each other. In theexample, flexible material of cover 56 stretches to adapt to relativemotion between housing portion 12 and case 38. In various alternativeembodiments, case 38 may integrate with housing portion 12 so that onlydisplay frame 32 and housing portion 12 slide relative to each otherwithout additional relative sliding motion of a separate case. In suchan embodiment, flexible cover 56 stretches in the closed configurationto adapt to the increased outer diameter introduced by folding of thehinge.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A through 10F, outer bar cover 42 supportingstructure is depicted in planar and folded configurations. FIG. 10Adepicts information handling system 10 in a folded configuration withbar cover 42 protecting the hinge assembly in a rotated position. Aflexible soft frame, such as TPU silicon material, manages the physicalintersection of flexible cover 42 and display 30. FIG. 10B depictsinformation handling system 10 in a planar configuration with sideelements 60 expanding at flexible frame 58 to provide a protective coveralong the side portion of information handling system 10. FIG. 10Cdepicts the metal bar structure 42 welded to flexible support 34 toprovide a protective outer surface at the bottom of information handlingsystem 10. Side elements 60 extend out from the fixed coupling withflexible support 34 to expand and contract with hinge rotation. FIG. 10Ddepicts bar cover 42 with side elements 60 removed. An underlyingprotective flexible material, such as a TPU silicon material, covershinge 14 to prevent contaminates from entering the hinge structure. FIG.10E depicts the relationship of side elements 60 in the foldedconfiguration. Side elements 60 have angled side walls that closespacing between side elements 60, such as by aligning with the center ofrotation of the hinges. FIG. 10F depicts the planar configuration whereside elements 60 space out proximate display film 30 to adapt to theincreased length introduced by hinge rotation.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a side cutaway view depicts anexample embodiment that biases display frame movement in response torotation about a hinge 14. OLED display film 30 is susceptible towarpage and distortion if excessive force operates on it. In someinstances, friction and/or torsional forces may result as display frame32 slides relative to housing portion 12. In order to minimize theimpact of such forces on display film 30 structural integrity, biasingforces are introduced to display frame 30 relative to housing portion 12so that uneven forces across display film 30 do not result in damage. Inthe example embodiment depicted by FIG. 11, a biasing device 64 couplesto display frame 32 on one end and an anchor 66 of a housing portion 12across hinge 14 so that rotational movement at hinge 14 from the closedconfiguration to a planar configuration pulls through biasing device 64on display frame 32 to bias display frame 32 to move towards hinge 14.The biasing force introduced by biasing device 64 works in cooperationwith relative motion induced between display frame 32 and housingportion 12 by rotation about hinge 12.

In the example embodiment, biasing device 64 is a simple cable or wirethat is pulled upon as a consequence of rotation about hinge 14 towardsthe planar configuration. In alternative embodiments, other types ofbiasing devices may be used to induce force in the direction of asliding motion. For example, sensors 68, such as Hall sensors disposedproximate magnets on opposing housing portions, detect motion andintroduce bias in response. As another example, sensors in hinge 14 maydetect hinge movement, touch sensors at display 30 may detect a touchand even pressure introduced by an end user, and/or ambient sensorsintegrated in information handling system 10 may detect placement of ahand on a display or housing portion. Bias may be introduced withrelease of tension of a spring, a signal to a solenoid or other similardevices. In one example embodiment, the amount of bias provided by oneor more biasing devices may regulated to neutralize any uneven movementsdetect for a display film 30 across the dimensions of a housing. Bias asillustrated by the example embodiment is introduced with a pullingaction from anchor 66, however, in alternative embodiments bias may beintroduced with a pushing action. Further, in order to maintain an evenforce, pushing and/or pulling may be introduced across the displaystructure. By focusing introduction of biasing forces at the underlyingdisplay frame, stresses related to movement of the display framerelative to the housing portion are diverted from OLED display film 30.As an alternative or in addition to biasing forces at display frame 32,pushing and pulling biasing force may be introduce to the underlyinghousing portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, side lower and upper perspectiveviews depict an information handling system 10 with multiple biasingdevices 64. In the example embodiment, multiple anchored springs coupledto housing portion 12 extend to connect with roller edge cover 40 toprovide a biasing of the display frame to slide relative to housingportion 12. For example, roller edge cover 40 includes a spindle orrotating cylindrical element that interacts with biasing devices 40 totranslate a sliding biasing force to display frame 32. In oneembodiment, constant biasing forces in both sliding directions areprovided and selectively released by a spindle in roller edge cover 40,such as with a microcontroller executing embedded code and receivingsensor information that indicates likely sliding directions. Introducinga bias in the direction of an end user initiated sliding motion shiftsthe stress away from OLED flexible film 30 and to the display frame thatsupports the film.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C, an alternative hinge structureis depicted that offers regulated display movement with minimal gapsbetween hinge elements. Gaps between hinge elements detract fromphysical appearance and also provide a pathway to introduce contaminantsinto an information handling system housing. FIG. 13A depicts first andsecond housing portions 12 of an information handling system 10 held ina planar configuration by a hinge 14 built from plural link elements 70rotationally coupled by plural coupling elements 72. FIG. 13B depictsthe link elements 70 rotated relative to each other about an axisdefined by the coupling elements 72 to orient housing portions 12 to aclosed configuration. FIG. 13C depicts details relating to theconstruction and interaction of the link elements 70 based upon rotationabout the coupling elements 72. Each link element 70 has a front facewith an arc curvature surface 76 as illustrated by FIG. 13C that fitsinto a cavity of an adjoining link element 70. The interaction betweenthe link elements is guided by engagement of arc surface 76 with asymmetrically opposed cavity surface about a central point 78. In theexample embodiment, a circle extending around link element 70 based uponthe curvature of arc surface 76 does not extend into coupling element72. In alternative embodiments, the relationship of the center point oflink element 70, the circle defined by arc radius 76 and the rotationaxis of coupling element 72 may vary to achieve desired rotationalinteractions as described below. For example, the distances betweencentral point 78 and pivot point 80 may be shifted towards or away fromouter arc surface 76 to achieve desired rotational interactions.

In the planar configuration depicted by FIG. 13A and the closedconfiguration depicted by FIG. 13B, an intersection 74 is definedbetween link elements 70 that limits the presence of a gap between linkelements 70. The size of intersection 74 is managed in part by theinteraction of arc surface 76 with a cavity formed on the back side oflink element 70. For example, the backside of arc 76 tapers in aperpendicular manner to increase engagement at the cavity in thebackside of link element 70. The size of intersection 74 is furthermanaged by the relative location of pivot point 80 of coupling element72 behind the rotational engagement of arc surface 76 with the adjacentlink element 70 cavity. The resulting modular hinge assembly 14 providesa balance and stable movement of a flexible display film disposed overhinge 14. The hinge modules readily assemble to each other and caninclude sufficient torque within the hinge structure so that dedicatedfriction devices are minimized or avoided. In one alternativeembodiments, more specific and varied hinge curvature relationships maybe defined by providing different arc radius and pivot point distancesat different hinge elements assembled to form the hinge.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a zig zag pattern depicts setback couplingelements that reduce hinge size and improve hinge assembly. Plural linkelements 70 are shown in an expanded view aligned so that arc faces 76couple into cavities 82 to form the hinge assembly 14. Coupling elements72 attach link elements 70 together by coupling to a raised mount 84 anda cavity mount 88. Raised mount 84 inserts through a mount opening 86 ofan adjacent link element 70 so that a coupling element 72 coupled to acavity mount 88 and an inserted raised mount 84 holds the link elements70 together with arc face 76 inserted into cavity 82. Mount openings 86form a zig zag pattern 90 for the installation of coupling elements 72to reduce the size of the hinge elements and simplify assembly of linkelements 70. As is depicted by FIG. 14, the pivot point of couplingelements 72 defines the pivot point of link elements 70 behind the arc76 defined curvature so that the hinge elements outer arc surface isrolled following arc 76 of the adjacent hinge module, reducing gapsintroduced by rotation of the hinge where the link elements 70 meet.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a rear perspective expanded view of hinge 14depicts interactions of coupling element 72 pivot elements to managelink element 70 interactions. Each coupling element 72 includes arotational break 92 about which opposing ends of coupling element 72rotate. A friction element 94 disposed between rotating portions ofcoupling element 72 provides torque management for hinge 14, such as tomaintain hinge 14 in desired rotational positions. For example, frictionelements 94 are flat washers compressed against each other to resistrotation. By having friction elements inserted in coupling element 72perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a larger surface is available forgenerating a desired level of friction, thus allowing a reduced wearover time and less stringent friction material selection. Integratingthe friction material within coupling element 72 provides moreconvenient assembly and more consistent torque across the hinge duringrotational movement. A hinge block 98 integrated with the informationhandling system housing portion 12 provides mounting block 84 to couplewith hinge 14. In addition, a cable path 96 formed in each link element70 assembles to define a cable path between the housing portions 12.Managed rotational relationships of link elements 70 based upon thebackwards offset of coupling elements 72 keeps cable path 96 openbetween the link elements 70 to guide and protect cables traversingbetween the housing portions 12.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a side upper perspective expanded view depictslink elements 70 and coupling elements 72 aligned for assembly betweenhousing portions 12. A base 98 integrated with one housing portion 12includes a mounting face to couple with an adjacent link element 70. Abase 100 on the opposing housing portion 12 exposes an arc face toengage with a link element cavity and openings to interface couplingelements 72. Once hinge 14 is assembled to rotationally couple thehousing portions to each other, a flexible support 34 may provideadditional support to an OLED display film disposed over hinge 14. FIG.17 depicts a bottom side perspective view of the hinge 14 assembled frominterconnected link elements 70. OLED display film 30 is disposed overhinge 14 on the upper side of the housing. Intersections 74 provideminimal gap between hinge elements for a graceful and secure assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, an information handling systemhaving a flexible display disposed over a dual axis hinge is depicted.In the example embodiment, housing portions 12 rotationally couple witha dual axis hinge 14, such as that depicted by FIG. 18C, to rotatebetween the planar configuration depicted by FIG. 18A and the closedconfiguration depicted by FIG. 18A. A hinge housing 102 couples betweenhinges 14 at opposing ends of housing 12 to provide an intermediatesolid surface between the two housing portions 12. A distance 104between axles 48 defines the width across hinge housing 102. As depictedin FIG. 18A, hinge housing 102 provides a flat intermediate surfacebetween display frames 32 that supports a display film 30 disposedacross display frames 32. Roller assemblies 40 on opposing sides ofhousing portions 12 manage movement of the display frame structure. Asdepicted in FIG. 18B, hinge housing 102 stands perpendicular to housingportions 12 to provide a curve radius for OLED display film 30 definedby the distance 104 between the rotational axes of hinge 14 axles 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, rotation of information handlingsystem 10 housing portions 12 between closed and planar configurationsabout a dual axis hinge 14 is depicted. FIG. 19A depicts housingportions 12 rotated to a closed position about hinge 14 so that thedistance 104 between axles 48 define a bend radius 106 for OLED displayfilm 30. A display frame structure maintains a position of OLED displayfilm 30 relative to hinge housing 102 with an interconnect bar 36fixedly coupled to a flexible support 34 disposed across hinge housing102. The display frame structure includes flexible support 34 fixedlycoupled to display frames 32 that slide relative to housing portions 12.Display frames 32 and flexible support 34 provide a support to OLEDdisplay film 30 that prevents excessive bends of film 30 that coulddamage the OLED film material. As set forth above, flexible support 34is a material selected that maintains a bend radius when folded and hasresilient characteristics to retain a flat surface when unfolded. Oneexample of a material for flexible support 34 is a shape memory alloy,such as a nickel titanium alloy treated for super elasticity. Anotherexample is a thin sheet of stainless steel, although other materialswith similar characteristics can be used. The bend radius is adaptedthrough selection of the material for flexible support 34 and selectionof a dual axis hinge 14 that has desired spacing 104 between axles 48.FIG. 19B illustrates that rotation of housing portions 12 about hinge 14to the planar configuration results in flexible display 30 disposed in aflat configuration across flexible support 34 and display frame 32.Interconnect bar 36 fixes flexible support 34 in the relative positionto hinge housing 102 between the closed and planar configurations. Inthe example embodiment, interconnect bar 36 has a ‘T’ shape with a flatupper surface that fixes to flexible support 34 and an inner portionembedded within hinge housing 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, display film 30 bend radius 106management is enhanced with ramp structure engagement that providesspace efficient housing portion 12 arrangement in the closedconfiguration. In the closed configuration, housing portions 12 close toa substantially parallel arrangement defined by the distance betweenaxles 48 of hinge 14. In order to achieve a minimal separation ofhousing portions 12 in the closed configuration, a display frame softlink 108 formed in each display frame introduces an additional bendradius of display film 30 in an opposite direction of bend radius 106.As housing portions 12 approach the closed position, soft link 108 bendsslightly allowing display film 30 between soft link 108 and rollerassembly 40 to lie substantially parallel on opposing housing portions12. In the planar configuration, soft link 108 is reinforced by a rampstructure that holds OLED display film 30 in a supported planarconfiguration. In the example embodiment, a display frame ramp 112slides relative to a housing portion ramp 110 during rotation of thehousing portions 12 to engage as depicted by arrows 114, resulting inthe supported planar configuration of display film 30 as illustrated byFIG. 20A. Ramp structure 110 and 112 releases soft link 108 of displayframe 32 as housing portions 12 rotate from the planar to the closedconfigurations so that display film 30 folds at soft link 108 to provideparallel display film 30 disposition.

In the example embodiment, display frame ramp 112 and housing portion110 have a flat portion that aligns in the planar configuration to locksoft link 108 in a planar configuration. In addition display frame ramp112 and housing ramp 110 have opposing ramped surfaces 114 thatselectively engage during intermediate rotational positions of housingportions 12 to provide desired support to display film 30. As displayframe 32 slides relative to housing portion 12, opposing ramp surfaces114 engage to gradually allow folding at soft link 108. As an example, %when housing portions 12 rotate to a perpendicular orientation, such asa clamshell configuration having a part of the display available as avirtual keyboard, some folding at soft link 108 may be acceptable sincethe portion of display film 30 proximate bend radius 106 is less likelyto be used for touch inputs. The degree of rotation at which soft link108 folds is determined by the interaction of ramps 112 and 114 relativeto the amount sliding that display frame 32 has as housing portions 12rotate. The example embodiment of FIG. 20A depicts a total slidingdistance of approximately twice to length of structures 110 and 112,however in other embodiments other types of structural relationships maybe used. Although the example embodiment depicts a mechanical rampstructure that controls soft link 108 by relative sliding motion, inalternative embodiments, sensors that track the relative rotationalorientation of the housing portions may be used to release soft link 108at exact rotational relationships. For example, a sensor may trigger asolenoid or other device that selective locks and releases soft link 108at desired housing portion 12 rotational relationships.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, a side perspective view depictsinformation handling system 10 in closed and planar configurations withsecondary folds in display film 30 to aid full collapse of housingportions 12 in the closed configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 21A, thesecondary fold in display film 30 at soft link 108 provides a closedconfiguration in which display film 30 past soft link 108 has asubstantially parallel disposition. The more compressed closedconfiguration includes an area within housing portions 12 to allow spacefor bend radius 106. In the planar configuration depicted by FIG. 21B,engagement of the ramp structures 110 and 112 provide support underneathdisplay frame 32 that holds display 30 in a planar configuration so thatan end user may make touch inputs against a flat display surface withoutinducing damage at display film 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 22A and 22B, a side cutaway view depicts anexample embodiment of a roller assembly 40 in closed and planarconfigurations that aids management of display frame structure slidingrelative to housing portions 12. Roller assembly 40 includes a spindle116 having a cylindrical shape and free to rotate at the end of housingportion 12. A soft cover 118 is disposed over spindle 116 and coupled atopposing ends to housing portion 12 and display frame 32. As housingportions 12 rotate relative to each other from the closed configurationof FIG. 22A to the planar configuration of FIG. 22B, cover 118 moveswith spindle 116 to adapt to sliding of display frame 32 relative tohousing portion 12, such as with 5.235 mm of distance 120 in the exampleembodiment. In the example embodiment, soft cover 118 is a flexiblematerial, such as silicon TPU film, that stretches in response to thelateral force introduced by relative display frame 32 movement ashousing portions rotate to the planar configuration. For example, in theexample embodiment, cover 118 has a length of 23.12 mm in the closedconfiguration and 26.59 mm in the planar configuration. The force forstretching cover 118 operates against display frame 32 motion to providea bias from the planar to a closed position. In alternative embodiments,alternative covers 118 may slide with roller spindle 116 rather thanstretch, such as by have a coupling to housing portion 12 that allowsmovement of cover 118 as spindle 116 rotates.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a side cutaway view depicts roller edge 40having an integrated biasing device 64 and antenna 120. In the exampleembodiment, biasing device 64 is a tension spring disposed over spindle116 that pulls display frame 32 away from hinge 14 by biasing spindle116 to rotate counterclockwise. As housing portion 12 rotates from theclosed to the planar configuration, tension builds on spring 64 torotate spindle 116 and draw display frame 32 back towards roller edge40. By operating on display frame 32, biasing device 64 reducestorsional forces that can potentially damage display film 30 duringtransition to the closed configuration. Antenna 120 integrates inspindle 116 to provide wireless signal communication in an orientationdetermined from the rotational position of spindle 116. Advantageously,rotation of antenna 120 at spindle 116 tends to maintain antenna 120 atapproximately the same distance to display film 30 as display frame 32slides relative to the end of housing portion 12. OLED display film 30can introduce RF noise that impacts performance of antenna 120. Byrotating antenna 120 with spindle 116, the relative position of antenna120 to display film 30 remains the same, meaning that the RF impact ofnoise generated by display film 30 does not change relative to antenna120 so that minimal or no antenna tuning is needed to adapt to positionmovement of display film 30 relative to antenna 120, even if some slightdistance changes do occur.

In one alternative embodiment, biasing device 64 includes first andsecond torsional springs wrapped around spindle 116 and configured tobias display frame 32 in opposite directions. Position sensors 68, suchas Hall sensors aligned with a magnet 130 detects relative motion ofdisplay frame 32 and housing portion 12 so that a bias in the directionof sliding motion is applied to display frame 32. For example, acontroller with embedded code and a stepper motor or similar device maycontrol the application of a biasing force in the direction of a slidingmotion by adjusting tension on spring biasing device 64. Advanced logicin information handling system 10, such as logic operating on anembedded controller or as part of system BIOS, may predict slidingmovement by predicting end user rotation of housing portions 12. When asliding motion is predicted, bias applied to display frame 32 in thedirection of the sliding motion reduces the risk that torsional forcesor uneven sliding motion will warp or otherwise damage display film 30.

Referring now to FIG. 24, changing orientations of antenna 120 isdepicted as spindles 116 rotate to manage display film 30 position. Inthe open position, antenna 120 each direct radio energy in oppositedirections away from OLED display film 30. Locating antenna 120 atopposing ends of information handling system 10 enhances wirelesscommunication by providing a communication path to external wirelessdevices, such as a wireless access point (WAP), which does nottransverse OLED display film 30. In the closed position, both antenna120 rotate to the outer face of information handling system 10, againoffering a wireless communication path that does not transverse OLEDdisplay film 30 by selecting the antenna 120 closest to the externalwireless device. In an alternative embodiment, multiple antenna 120 maybe disposed at various positions of spindle 116 so that at variousrotational orientations a preferred antenna is available for differenttypes and directions of wireless communication. For example, in onealternative embodiment, antenna of different spindles align in theclosed position so that directional wireless communication is achieved,such as with a pair of antenna on opposite spindles brought intoproximity by rotation to the closed position that establish a phasearray antenna. By locating antenna at various rotational positions ofspindle 116 relative to OLED display film 30, a constant distancebetween the antenna and display film is maintained for consistent RFperformance.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a block diagram depicts an informationhandling system 10 having antenna 120 selection based on spindle 116orientation. A radio 122 interfaces with a CPU 18 to support RFcommunication, such as with a wireless local area network (WLAN),wireless wide area network (WWAN) and/or wireless personal area network(WPAN). Radio 122 formats wireless communications through an RF frontend module 124 as a main or auxiliary antenna interface. An antennatuner/selector 126 directs wireless communications to the selected ofthe main or auxiliary antenna 120. A sensor hub 128 receives sensorinputs that indicate the orientation of the antenna 120, such as byassociation to a detected hinge angle. As housing portions rotatebetween open and closed modes, detected orientations provided by sensorhub 128 are applied at antenna tuner/selector 126 to direct wirelesscommunication through the antenna 120 having a desired orientation.

Referring now to FIG. 26, an information handling system in a closedposition is depicted having antenna 120 disposed on a spindle 116 thatsupport phased array wireless signal communication. In the exampleembodiment, two antenna integrated on the same spindle 116 have inverseorientations of the transmission length portion. In addition, twoadditional antenna are disposed on the spindle 116 of the oppositehousing portion. Wireless communication from information handling system10 may be performed selectively with one antenna on one spindle thatprovides the best signal to noise ratio to the external radio ofinterest. As an alternative, directive transmissions may be accomplishedby cooperatively applying RF energy to antenna 120 on opposing housingportions 12. Detection of the housing position by a sensor 68 provideslogic inside the radio structure with relative antenna orientation todetermine the best communication mode. For example, rotation of thehousing portions to the closed configuration as depicted in FIG. 27provides antenna 120 orientation through rotation of spindles 116 thatdirects RF energy in directions opposite each other and away fromdisplay film 30.

Referring now to FIG. 27, an information handling system in an openposition depicts antenna on opposing sides of housing portions 12 tosupport wireless communication distal a flexible display film 30. In theplanar configuration, spindles 116 rotate antenna 120 to a sideorientation at each of opposing ends of housing portions 12 so that RFenergy transverses to external wireless devices from each end withoutpassing by display film 30.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system comprising: firstand second housing portions, at least one of the housing portionscontaining processing components that cooperate to process information;a hinge rotationally coupling the first and second housing portions, thehinge having plural link elements rotationally coupled together, eachlink element having a face that defines an arc with a first center ofrotation, an interior having a cavity that defines the arc to accept aface of another link element that rotates within the cavity, and acoupling element that extends out of the cavity to define a center ofrotation of the link element behind the center of the arc, each couplingelement fixed at one end to a first of the plural link elements and atan opposing end to a second of the plural link elements, each couplingelement rotating at one rotational break between the opposing ends; anda flexible display disposed over the first and second housing portions,the flexible display bending as the housing portions rotate between theplanar and the closed configurations; wherein the plural link elementsrotate about the coupling element center of rotation and maintain thelink element faces within adjacent link element cavities so that gaps donot present between the link elements.
 2. The information handlingsystem of claim 1 wherein each link element further comprises: a firstportion having the face and cavity defined for a length substantiallythe same as a length of the housing portions, the length having one ormore openings through the face and cavity; and a second portion disposedin the first portion cavity proximate the one or more openings, thesecond portion extending out of the cavity to define the center ofrotation of the link element.
 3. The information handling system ofclaim 2 wherein each link element further comprises: a first mountingface disposed within the cavity and configured to couple to the couplingelement; and a second mounting face disposed on the second portion andaligned to fit through an adjacent link element opening to couple withan adjacent link element coupling element.
 4. The information handlingsystem of claim 3 wherein the plural link elements have the openingsdisposed in a zig zag pattern across adjacent link elements.
 5. Theinformation handling system of claim 3 wherein the flexible displaycomprises an OLED display film.
 6. The information handling system ofclaim 3 wherein the hinge element coupling element comprises a frictiondevice to generate torque against rotation of the hinge.
 7. Theinformation handling system of claim 3 further comprising a cable guideformed in each link element first portion and aligned to provide a pathfor one or more cables between the housing portions.
 8. The informationhandling system of claim 3 further comprising a shape memory alloysupport disposed between the flexible display and hinge.
 9. The systemof claim 1 wherein the hinge rotates the housing portions between aclosed configuration and a planar configuration.
 10. A method forrotationally coupling information handling system housing portionshaving a flexible display, the method comprising: inserting a firsthinge element face into a second hinge element cavity, the face andcavity having an arc with a center of rotation at the first hingeelement; inserting a hinge coupling element into a cavity of the firsthinge element; fixing a first end of the hinge coupling element directlyto the first hinge element; fixing a second end of the hinge couplingelement directly to the second hinge element, the first end opposite thesecond end, the coupling element rotating at one rotational breakbetween the first and second ends; and defining with the hinge couplingelement a center of rotation for the first hinge element that is outsideof the arc center of rotation for the face and cavity.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the center of rotation for the first hinge couplingelement is located sufficiently distal the arc center of rotation sothat a gap does not form between the face and cavity during rotation ofthe first hinge element relative to the second hinge element.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising: integrating friction plates inthe hinge coupling element that engage normal the rotation of the hingecoupling element; and translating rotational motion about the hingecoupling element through the friction plates into torque that managesmotion of the housing portions.
 13. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising changing the friction of the friction plates based upon angleof rotation of the hinge coupling element.
 14. The method of claim 10wherein coupling the hinge coupling element directly to the second hingeelement further comprises: extending a mounting block from the secondhinge element through an opening of the first hinge element to alignwith a mounting block disposed at the cavity of the first hinge element;and coupling the hinge coupling element to the aligned mounting blocks.15. The method of claim 10 further comprising coupling at least threehinge elements together, with at least three hinge coupling elementsdisposed in a zig zag pattern.
 16. A hinge comprising: plural hingeelements, each hinge element having an arc face and an arc cavityinterior, the hinge elements arranged to have the hinge element arcfaces inserted into the adjacent hinge element arc cavity interiors, thearc faces rotating within the arc cavity interiors; and plural hingecoupling elements, each hinge coupling element fixed at a first end to afirst mounting face and fixed at a second end to a second mounting face,the first mounting face extending directly from an arc cavity interior,the second mounting face extending from an adjacent arc cavity interiorthrough an opening of the arc face and into the arc cavity interior,each hinge coupling element rotating about one rotational break betweenthe first and second ends; wherein hinge coupling elements rotate aboutan axis located distal the arc cavity center of rotation.
 17. The hingeof claim 16 further comprising first and second housing mounts disposedat opposing ends of the plural hinge elements and operable to couple toan information handling system housing.
 18. The hinge of claim 17wherein the plural hinge coupling elements are disposed in a zig zagpattern between the hinge elements.
 19. The hinge of claim 17 whereineach hinge element has a center point defined by the arc radius, thehinge element mounts disposing the hinge coupling elements center ofrotation outside of a diameter of the arc relative to the front face.20. The hinge of claim 17 further comprising friction plates integratedin each hinge coupling element disposed perpendicular to the axis ofrotation, the friction elements generating torque in response torotation of hinge elements relative to each other.